“Reunited with my Bulgarian brother,” wrote the 24-time major winner after turning up for an exhibition supporting his friend’s namesake foundation.
Idemoooo! The Balkan Boys are together again.
On Tuesday, Grigor Dimitrov welcomed 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic to Sofia for a special exhibition. The proceeds raised from the “Tennis Gala” benefited Dimitrov’s foundation.
“Reunited with my Bulgarian brother,” wrote Djokovic on his Instagram story.
Plenty of content soon began to appear on social media. There was the eye-catching accessory at their joint press conference, where Dimitrov and Djokovic rocked customized graffiti denim jackets crafted by Bulgarian designer Vladimir Nikolov.
When it came time to play, there was more than trading groundstrokes on the court. We’re not really sure what prompted an extended shirt change turned striptease. Nevertheless…
Dimitrov ultimately took the friendly contest, 6-4, 2-6 [10-6]. Before leaving the court, Djokovic led the crowd in song. The ATP’s all-time leader in weeks at No. 1 is no stranger to letting his vocal chords rip, from belting out “I Will Survive” for an infamous 2007 French Open series to “Fight for Your Right” at last year’s US Open.
Dimitrov and Djokovic have built a warm and respectful bond over the years. At 2014 Indian Wells, the Serbian playfully interrupted his peer’s press conference to declare, “My friend Grigor here, the best looking guy on tour.”
When Dimitrov finished runner-up at last year’s Rolex Paris Masters, Djokovic paused his interview to offer comfort to his friend—who would later clarify he was crying tears of gratitude for the journey that led him back to a notable final.
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In an ATP video produced this season, Djokovic cheekily asked Dimitrov about his obsession with Van Cleef bracelets.
Hit back Dimitrov, “Novak, more than you can put on your wrist, man… I am not sure you can handle that much bling.”
As Djokovic would later reveal, the joke’s on him as son Stefan pushed back about getting his own Van Cleef after seeing the Bulgarian.
“You’ve been the talk of our house. Thank you, or no thank you!”
Dimitrov will now head to Berlin for this week’s Laver Cup. Djokovic is currently next entered to play the 1000-level event in Shanghai.
